Here’s the real truth: County Assessor Arnold Fontes on Sunday
scorned an advertisement placed by Measure G supporters, which
quoted him as saying tax revenues would grow if the ballot
initiative passes Tuesday.
Here’s the real truth: County Assessor Arnold Fontes on Sunday scorned an advertisement placed by Measure G supporters, which quoted him as saying tax revenues would grow if the ballot initiative passes Tuesday.
The ad in Friday’s Free Lance quotes Fontes: “Under Measure G overall tax revenue to local government, including schools, will not decrease. Government revenues will grow.”
It then cites Fontes and the date of his quote, Feb. 24, and finishes: “Now you know the real truth.”
Fontes said he’s “really unhappy” over the ad because the Yes on G campaign committee took his quote out of context and never obtained his permission.
Plus, it seems to contradict Fontes’ opinion of property tax revenues if Measure G passes. And that type of campaigning, Fontes said Sunday, further strengthens his stance against the initiative.
“It looks like I placed that ad in there, which I did not,” he said.
Fontes said the quote stems from a conversation with Measure G supporter Richard Saxe. He also held similar talks recently with Supervisor Pat Loe and Supervisor Bob Cruz.
Saxe could not be reached Sunday.
Fontes said he told Saxe there will be growth in property tax revenues, but if Measure G passes that growth would be at a slower rate than without it.
In a previous report, Fontes expressed an opinion regarding a study commissioned by the No on Measure G committee. He agreed with the study’s contention that property tax revenues would drop by as much as $1.6 million under the growth control initiative.
He also sent a letter Feb. 10 to the San Benito County Farm Bureau, which is against the measure, stating his belief in the study’s merits.
He said he doesn’t plan to confront the measure’s proponents, who paid for the ad – as it states in small print at the page’s bottom.
“I won’t drop myself to that level.”
But he does fear it may cause some confusion, and even anger from friends or Measure G opponents.
“People have asked me, ‘What are you doing putting that ad in the paper?'”
